MISS WORLD TT FINALS 2025
The 2025 Miss World Trinidad and Tobago Finals took place on December 7th at the Southern Academy of Performing Arts, where Georgia-Lee Gill was crowned winner among 20 finalists. She received the crown from outgoing titleholder Anna-lise Nanton and also earned the Miss Congeniality award. Chanique Marcelino of Tobago placed as First Runner-Up, while Suana Sookdeo was named Second Runner-Up.
Miss World Trinidad and Tobago 2025 Finals:
A Night of Elegance, Culture and Crowned Dreams
The 2025 Miss World Trinidad and Tobago Finals took place in spectacular fashion on Sunday, December 7th at the prestigious Southern Academy of Performing Arts, bringing together elegance, talent and national pride under one roof. The highly anticipated event saw 19 stunning finalists compete for the coveted national title, captivating the audience with grace, confidence and poise.
After an unforgettable evening of competition, Georgia-Lee Gill emerged victorious, claiming the title of Miss World Trinidad and Tobago 2025. Her win was met with thunderous applause as she was crowned by the outgoing titleholder, Anna-lise Nanton, marking a beautiful passing of the crown and a new chapter for the franchise.
The competition was fierce, with Chanique Marcelin of Tobago earning the title of First Runner-Up, proudly representing the sister island on the national stage, while Suana Sookdeo secured the position of Second Runner-Up after an impressive showing throughout the night.
Adding to her remarkable night, Georgia-Lee Gill was also awarded the title of Miss Congeniality, highlighting not only her stage presence, but her warmth, sportsmanship and genuine connection with her fellow contestants.
The 2025 finals were a celebration of beauty, intelligence and the empowering spirit of Trinidad and Tobago’s young women. From the dazzling evening wear to the inspiring moments on stage, the event stood as a testament to confidence, culture and the pursuit of purposeful ambition.
As Georgia-Lee Gill prepares to represent Trinidad and Tobago on the international Miss World stage, the nation looks forward to supporting her journey and celebrating the continued legacy of excellence in pageantry.
Studio Photo Session Bold Colour
A bold and colorful studio portrait session shot at Affordable Imports Studio in San Juan, Trinidad. Using a mix of powerful strobes, continuous lighting, and Nova colour panels, this shoot combined clean backgrounds, striking red seamless paper, and creatively lit cyclorama walls. Featuring four dynamic models and polished makeup artistry, the session focused on simple, effective imagery with maximum visual impact.
Bold Color, Clean Light
Studio Shoot at Affordable Imports Studio
This creative portrait session took place at Affordable Imports Studio in San Juan, Trinidad, a versatile space that’s perfect for bold, clean studio work. The goal of this shoot was simple, create striking images using strong color, controlled lighting, and confident expressions, while keeping the overall aesthetic clean and intentional.
Sonika
The lighting setup was built around a powerful mix of AD1200 Pro strobes, Aputure 600D continuous lighting, and Nova colour lighting panels. This combination allowed for complete control over both intensity and mood. The strobes gave the images their crisp, high-impact look, while the continuous light helped shape the shadows and make fine-tuning quick and intuitive. The Nova panels added creative flexibility, providing smooth colour washes and dramatic background shifts.
Mary
A variety of light modifiers were used to shape the look of each frame, including a spotlight modifier, 60-inch softboxes, and several other tools to control spill, softness, and direction. The spotlight helped isolate the subjects for dramatic portraits, while the large softboxes created soft, wrapping light for a more polished, beauty-style finish.
Shakera
The set design played a huge role in the visual impact of the shoot. A red seamless paper background was used to create bold, graphic images full of energy and contrast. We also worked against the studio’s white cyclorama wall, which became a creative canvas once the Nova panels began cycling through colours. The subtle shifts in background colour added atmosphere and variety without taking attention away from the subjects.
The shoot featured four incredible models: Mary, Shakera, Sonika, and Anna-Marie, each bringing their own personality and strength in front of the camera. Their ability to move between strong, graphic poses and softer, more natural expressions made the session dynamic and full of creative range.
Anna-Marie
Makeup was provided by Arielle, who did an amazing job creating clean, polished looks that complemented the bold colour story. Her work elevated every frame, ensuring that the final images felt cohesive, professional, and visually striking.
This shoot proved that photography doesn’t always have to be complicated to be powerful. With simple concepts, bold colours, and controlled lighting, it’s possible to create images that feel modern, confident, and visually unforgettable.
Naparima Bowl Trinidad
Naparima Bowl has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. Growing up, it was one of those places that always felt larger than life. Whether it was seated in the audience, taking in a performance, or standing backstage with a mix of nerves and excitement, each experience left a lasting impression.
A Quiet Moment Inside Naparima Bowl
Naparima Bowl has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. Growing up, it was one of those places that always felt larger than life. Whether it was seated in the audience, taking in a performance, or standing backstage with a mix of nerves and excitement, each experience left a lasting impression.
Over the years, I’ve experienced this iconic space in almost every way possible, as a patron, as a performer, and later on, as a staff member. Each role added a different layer of meaning to the building, and together they’ve shaped the fond connection I still feel today.
One of my earliest memories here was stepping onto the stage as a secondary school student, performing in a rendition of HMS Pinafore by Gilbert and Sullivan with the Presentation College Mixed Choir. That moment, being under the lights, hearing the audience settle, feeling the stage beneath my feet, it left a lasting impression on me. These types of experiences stay with you long after the curtain closes.
Recently, I found myself back at the Bowl, but this time for something far simpler and quieter, routine maintenance. I had my camera with me, and as I watched the workers going about their tasks, checking fixtures, adjusting equipment, tending to the small but essential details that keep this place alive. I felt a familiar sense of appreciation. There’s a different kind of beauty in seeing a stage stripped down. No costumes, no props, no audience. Just the bones of the building, honest and unembellished.
A bare stage has a certain charm to it. It’s almost like seeing a performer out of character, still compelling, still full of potential, but in a more personal, unpolished way. For someone like me, who’s always been fascinated by the technical side of things, it was a reminder of how much unseen work goes into creating the magic we admire from the seats.
I’ve always been drawn to figuring out how things work: the lighting rigs, the sound systems, the mechanics that make a scene come alive. So watching these workers and capturing them through my lens felt natural. It wasn’t a planned shoot or a grand moment. It was just something I felt like sharing: a quiet appreciation for a place that has given me so many memories, and for the people who keep it running behind the scenes.
Sometimes the simplest moments tell the strongest stories. And for me, this one was a small but meaningful return to a space that shaped my creativity, my curiosity, and my love for the craft, both on the stage and behind it.
YUMA BAND LAUNCH 2025
Experience YUMA’s 2026 Carnival launch through a photographer’s lens — a vibrant showcase of colour, luxury, and inclusive costume designs for every body type. A beautifully executed event at the Port-of-Spain Waterfront that highlights the artistry and spectacle of Trinidad Carnival.
Attending YUMA’s 2026 band launch felt like stepping directly into a world built on colour, fantasy, and Caribbean glamour. Held at the Port-of-Spain International Waterfront, the unveiling of “Luxe: A Lavish Escape” transformed the evening into a vibrant showcase of artistry and imagination, and from behind the camera, every moment felt like a visual celebration.
This year’s theme draws from global icons of luxury, the bold elegance of haute couture houses, the ornate richness of Fabergé-style detailing, and the serene dreaminess of Nirvana. The result was a collection that shimmered under the lights, with costumes adorned in jewels, metallics, feathers, and textures that danced beautifully with every movement. Photographing them felt like capturing living sculptures.
What impressed me most was how inclusive and thoughtfully designed the costumes were. YUMA offered options for all body types and comfort levels, from bold, minimal looks to more modest and structured designs. It was clear that every masquerader, no matter their preference or size, could find a costume that made them feel confident, comfortable, and part of the spectacle.
The colour story was a feast for the eyes. Each section felt like its own micro-universe, with palettes ranging from deep, sultry tones to bright, celebratory bursts. Some sections radiated softness and champagne-like sparkle, while others leaned into moody burgundies, pastel luxury, or crystalline brilliance. As the music swelled and models took the stage, the movement of the costumes brought the theme to life in a way that was both theatrical and immersive.
This launch marks YUMA’s 16th year on the road, and the attention to detail showed. The aesthetic was cohesive yet varied, with fourteen sections that told a unified story of opulence without feeling repetitive. Every transition during the show felt seamless, and the entire production, the lighting, staging, timing, choreography, all made the event not just enjoyable, but truly impressive to experience and photograph.
The sense of community within the band also translated onto the stage. There was an energy of shared excitement, creativity, and pride that radiated from both the models and the crowd. Even from the sidelines, you could feel it.
As Carnival continues to embrace more luxurious, fully immersive experiences, this year’s launch positioned YUMA once again as a leader in spectacle, creativity, and presentation. Whatever innovations they have planned for the road, this launch made one thing clear: 2026 is shaping up to be a visually unforgettable Carnival season.
From start to finish, the event was well executed, vibrant, and an absolute joy to document through the lens.
Studio Session with Ella
Off camera flash can be intimidating to new photographers. I remember the first time that I used off camera flash in a studio setting I was a bit nervous at first. It also happened to be the first time that I used off camera flash in general.
I prepared for the session by looking at a lot of YouTube videos and tutorials. Those provided me with a good grasp of the concepts needed to execute the shoot. I booked a studio and a model and experimented a bit.
These are some of the results from that photoshoot.
Vessigny Beach Trinidad
Located on the southern coast of Trinidad, just a short drive from the famous La Brea Pitch Lake, Vessigny Beach is a peaceful spot that perfectly blends natural beauty with a touch of rustic charm. It’s a place where the light feels different, softer, warmer, and always a little unpredictable, which makes it a dream location for photographers.
Located on the southern coast of Trinidad, just a short drive from the famous La Brea Pitch Lake, Vessigny Beach is one of those places that quietly captures your heart. It’s not overly crowded or commercialized, just an open stretch of coastline where the sea meets soft sand and the sky puts on a show every evening.
Recently, I was fortunate enough to catch one of the most stunning sunsets I’ve seen there. The sky transformed into a gradient of fiery oranges, red and gold, reflecting beautifully on the calm water. Moments like that remind me why I fell in love with photography. I always marvel the ability to freeze a fleeting scene and preserve it forever.
Vessigny has a unique charm. Families often gather on weekends for picnics and cookouts, while during the week, it’s a peaceful escape, perfect for quiet reflection or a spontaneous photo session. The nearby trees sway gently in the breeze, and the long shore, provides a relaxing stroll.
Whether you visit for relaxation, a scenic drive, or simply to watch the sun dip below the horizon, Vessigny Beach offers a moment of calm in an ever-busy world. It’s a reminder that beauty doesn’t always need to shout, sometimes, it whispers softly through the waves.
Freak Show Hosted by Zig Zag Promos
Freak Show 2025 lit up Hutt Shutts Sports Bar with five powerhouse bands — Klavium, Scarred in Silence, Circle Square, Lynchpin, and Insert Coin. A night of pure rock energy, captured through the lens of Damion Laing Photography.
A Night of Noise, Light, and Pure Rock Energy
The usually laid-back Hutt Shutts Sports Bar transformed into a storm of sound and light for Freak Show 2025 — a five-band lineup that took over the night on November 1st, 2025.
With performances from Klavium, Scarred in Silence, Circle Square, Lynchpin, and Incert Coin, it was a Halloween concert that reminded everyone why live music is still the heartbeat of Trinidad’s rock scene.
From behind the lens, I captured the energy, and emotion that night. Here’s a look back at the madness that unfolded.
Klavium – A Two Man Powerhouse
Klavium opened the night with their local brand of Trash Metal. Their sound was fast paced and aggressive, you won’t think that such a small band has such a big presence.
Blue and red lighting flickered across the stage — dramatic, moody, and perfect for the lens. The energy was fast paced, setting the tone for what was to come.
Scarred in Silence – New Beginnings
As soon as Scarred in Silence hit the stage, the crowd responded. This was their first performance and as a new band they handled themselves well. I loved the energy. Their performance featured a guest appearance by Randy Alexander and this was a great fit with their vibe.
Photographing them was a test of timing and instinct — the kind of challenge that makes live photography so addictive. Every flash captured a split second of chaos and passion
Circle Square – Pure Energy
Circle Square has become a band that I always look forward to hearing. Their sound continues to evolve and amaze. They performed a set that was high energy with their grunge influenced sound. They also won with stage presence.
They are always a good listen and they really kept the momentum going.
Lynchpin – Adrenaline Unleashed
By the time Lynchpin took over, the crowd was fully charged. Their set was tight and electrifying. Every movement was a burst of adrenaline — a perfect storm of energy that pushed the night to its peak.
Each strobe flash froze moments that felt larger than life — wild motion, faces lit by raw emotion, guitars mid-strike.
Incert Coin – The Grand Finale
Closing out the night, Incert Coin brought unmatched chaos and charisma. Their set was a mix of crowd favorites, slower offerings interspersed with energetic pieces — everything a rock finale should be.
The crowd sang, moshed, and shouted until the final note faded. It wasn’t just a performance — it was a celebration of sound and community.
Behind the Lens – Capturing the Freak Show
Concerts like Freak Show 2025 are why I love live photography.
Each band brought something unique — a different story told through light, movement, and sound. From the haze of the smoke machines to the glow of the stage lights, every shot told its own story.
This night was a reminder that live music is more than what you hear — it’s something you feel, and if you’re lucky, something you can capture.
Final Thoughts
Freak Show 2025 was more than just a concert. It was a showcase of local talent, energy, and passion — and a clear sign that Trinidad’s rock scene is thriving.
Every frame from that night tells a story — of musicians giving everything they have, and a crowd that gave it right back.
If this year’s show is any indication, Freak Show deserves to become an annual tradition — and I’ll be ready, camera in hand, when it returns.
Zig Zag Promotions had an amazing event and I’m looking forward to what’s next.
Written and photographed by
📷 Damion Laing Photography
Capturing sound, sweat, and soul — one frame at a time.
Divali 2025 MWTT
I recently had the opportunity to capture the MIss World Trinidad and Tobago Delegates alongside some other creatives. The photoshoot took place at the scenic Lakshmi Narayan Temple located in Freeport, Trinidad. This was my first time visiting this location, and it really is impressive.
The shoot threatened to be postponed due to inclement weather, thankfully it cleared up enough to allow us to proceed with the photoshoot.
Full credit to the media team, hair and makeup, outfits and transportation and everyone who helped make the day a success. And of course, thank you to the Miss World Trinidad and Tobago Pageant for having me
The instagram handles of everyone involved are as follows
💄 Makeup: @sachacosmeticstt
💇♀️ Hair: @salonessentialstt
👗 Stylist: @robstylee
📍 Location: @mandirlakshminarayan
👚 Wardrobe: @alaghstoresindiaexpo
Aaliyah Seerattan
Maria Seelal
Leighanna Dennis
Tmia Francis
Anna-Lisa John
Kirstyn Decle
Danna Seepersad
Taylor Burns
Sveta Clarke
Suana Sookdeo
Selena Issac
Georgia-Lee Gill
Jamila Hope
Trini Rock Music
While Trinidad and Tobago is known globally for soca music and calypso, there exists a thriving and vibrant homegrown rock community.
“Local rock” as we call it here, consists of bands with a wide range of influences and play a number of different sub genres of rock music. You can find trash metal bands along with more pop oriented bands and even some with a more Caribbean flavour.
Mindscape Laboratory performing at Sky View Lounge, Trinidad
Usually there are a number of smaller shows in venues all around the country and a few times for the year there will be much larger events.
These photos here are from a concert a few years ago hosted by a progressive metal band called Mindscape Laboratory.
Here’s the link to their music on Spotify. And no I’m not being paid to promote them 😅
https://open.spotify.com/artist/10m1DoFVFgYFrpqgC1ub6h
Please enjoy some more photos from that concert. And thank you for reading!
Paramin Sky
In August I had the pleasure of staying at Paramin Sky in Trinidad. This is a breathtaking Airbnb located on the Northern Range, a short drive away from the capital Port of Spain.
While there I did some portrait shoots and these on location photographs turned out quite well I must say.
South Western Trinidad
I recently took a trip down to the south western part of Trinidad and captured what I think to be postcard worthy photographs.
I visited Cedros beach, Columbus Bay and Icacos wetlands and beach around sunset and the views were amazing. I don’t think what I captured really did it justice.
Boat anchored off Cedros Beach.
Sun setting on Cedros Beach
Columbus Bay
Icacos Wetlands
Setting Sun on Icacos Beach
After glow at Cedros Beach
Bago Vibes
Sunsets are magical, the ones I witnessed in Tobago recently did not disappoint. Hope you enjoy these photographs as much as I did.
